This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD. Dr. Marusinec is a Board Certified Pediatrician in Wisconsin. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995.

There are 28 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

A breakout before a big event can be devastating. Acne often takes time cure, and conventional methods may not cut it if you're looking for a fast solution. If you want acne gone in a week, be open to trying multiple methods, changing your lifestyle, and looking into over the counter medications. Despite your best efforts, it sometimes may simply not be possible to completely cure a stubborn bout of acne in a week's time. However, using a multitude of methods can reduce some symptoms and cure acne faster than the norm.

Steps

Part 1

Evaluating Your Lifestyle

1

Alter your diet. Certain foods can trigger acne outbreaks or make existing outbreaks worse. If you want to eliminate acne quickly, you need to commit. This means altering all aspects of your life, including your diet.

Dairy and carbs, especially empty carbs like processed flours and sugars, can trigger acne. Cut out these food options to try and curb your breakouts and opt instead for whole wheats, fruits, and veggies.[1]

Chocolate is often listed as a potential cause of acne, but the link has not been well established. While some studies indicate chocolate can cause acne, or worsen existing outbreaks, further study is needed. However, if you're hoping to cure your acne fast it might be better to err on the side of caution and ditch the chocolate.[2]

Greasy foods have also been blamed for acne, but this has little scientific basis. However, working in a greasy environment, such as a fast food kitchen, can cause acne as oil sticks to the skin and blocks in hair follicles.[3]

2

Avoid making the problem worse. Oftentimes, you're engaging in behavior that causes or worsens acne without realizing it. If you want your acne gone fast, you need to avoid certain behaviors.

Don't pick at your acne. This will make it worse and lead to more infections and scarring. It will also make the lesions more red and swollen.

Oftentimes, people assume poor hygiene has caused their acne and respond with heavy washings. This irritates the skin, making existing acne more apparent and increasing the risk of infection. Stick to gentle washings twice a day with a mild soap or an acne cleanser.[4]

Stressing about acne can easily make it worse. While stress is not an established cause of acne, the hormones released during stress have been linked to worsening of symptoms.

3

Switch to oil free products. Acne is caused when hair follicles become plugged up with oil and dead skin. Using products heavy in oils, like certain make-ups and hair products, can make acne more likely. Go through your cabinets and identify any substances that may be causing your acne.[5]

If you wear make-up, look for oil free products. Make-up is often identified as a cause of acne but your acne should not be affected by make-up as long as your products contain little or no oil.[6] Look for water-based or mineral-based make-up instead.

Sunscreens also sometimes use heavy amounts of oil. Look for more natural, oil-free brands of sunscreen.[7] Look for "noncomedogenic" on the label. Neutrogena has great sunscreens that won't cause acne breakouts.

Hair products in particular tend to be very oily. Look for natural brands of shampoo and conditioner. Oftentimes, salon products are better made than department store conditioners. If you're looking to eliminate acne, it might be worth the added price.[8]

Part 2

Using Over the Counter Medication

1

Familiarize yourself with important ingredients. Over-the-counter acne medications only work if they contain certain ingredients that target acne. Make sure you know what ingredients to look for so you don't end up buying an over the counter cream or lotion that has little effect on fighting breakouts.

Salicylic acid works mostly as a preventative agent, making sure pores do not become plugged. While it's a great product for longterm prevention, it might not be the best ingredient to look for when striving to end a breakout in a short period of time.[10]

Sulfur also removes dead skin cells that cause acne and is a good ingredient for a fast cure.[12]

2

Start with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is the best agent for a fast cure. When initially looking at products, start here as it has a high success rate for a wide range of people.

Benzoyl peroxide creams come in a range of strengths, from 2.5% to 10%. Stronger is not always better and many people actually respond best to 2.5% strength cream.[13]

In general, it takes a few days to see results. Follow the instructions for any cream you purchased and do not apply more, as this can irritate skin. Be patient. Do not expect overnight results, but in 3 to 5 days improvement should be apparent.[14]

3

Begin with low doses. Side effects, like redness and dry skin, can occur when using acne products. Until you know how your skin will react, it's best to keep dosages low.

Your skin needs to adjust to treatment gradually. If you've never tried over the counter medications before, ease your skin into the transition. Start with the lowest dosage.[15]

While you may want to try a high dosage to cure acne fast, this might backfire. If your skin becomes irritated, or if you have a reaction, acne will worse and other skin issues, like rashes, may form. It's best to use products correctly, at a low dose, and hope for a swift cure than to risk side effects.[16]

4

Use multiple products. If you've been trying for awhile to get rid of your acne, try using a combination of products.

Different products combat the varying causes of acne. Using multiple approaches to treat acne may pay off, especially if your breakout is particularly intense.[17]

Many people find combining benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid can cure existing breakouts while preemptively stopping future breakouts.[18] You could try using a salicylic acid face wash, and a benzoyl peroxide cream.

Be careful, however. There is a slight chance benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid can make acne worse for the first few weeks.[19]

Part 3

Trying Natural Treatments

1

Look for creams containing bovine cartilage. Bovine cartilage is a substance found in a cow's body that provides structural support to the bones. When extracted, it can be a quick and powerful acne cure.

Look for creams that contain 5% bovine cartilage. These can be found at department and health stores across the country.[20]

Look for lotions containing at least 2% green tea extract. These can be found at department, drug, and health food stores.[22]

This method works best in teens and adolescents and with people suffering from mild acne. If you're older, and your acne is severe, you might want to try another option.[23]

3

Use aloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant species that is used in small amounts in many gels and creams. It's very effective when it comes to fighting acne.

Aim for a 50% aloe vera gel and combine it with a conventional acne drug. Studies show using aloe vera alongside other medications is significantly better than using other methods alone.[24]

Try to apply aloe vera while using an over the counter face creams. Use the amount recommended on the bottle. Do not use more than needed as this might result in skin irritation.[25]

Aloe vera can work fast, but this is not always the case. It can sometimes take up to 8 weeks to work.

4

Avoid tea tree oil for a fast cure. Tea tree oil has long been considered good for the skin. Tea tree oil is effective in treating acne, but takes longer to work and you should not look to it if you want a fast cure.

Tea tree oil's main benefit is that it has less side effects than benzoyl cream and tends to eliminate acne more effectively. However, it takes significantly longer to have an effect. While it might be great for a longterm cure, it's not the best option for fast acting treatments.[26]

Tea tree can cause contact dermatitis if you have an allergy. If you notice symptoms worsening, cease use.[27]

Tea tree oil should never be taken orally, and can be particularly harmful to children if taken by mouth. Always dilute tea tree oil with another oil, like olive or almond oil, if you do choose to use it.[28]

5

Try other essential oils. Some oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help eliminate acne fast. If you're looking for a fast cure, they're worth a try. Remember, however, that you should never ingest essential oils. Only apply them topically.

Spearmint or peppermint can be diluted in a quart of water and applied to the face. The menthol in these substances has antiseptic properties.

Lavender, thyme, and calendula all have antibacterial properties that can cleanse the face and eliminate blemishes quickly.

Rosemary and oregano have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These are hard to find in essential oil form, so you can instead use kitchen spices by diluting half a teaspoon of dried herbs in water.

You can try applying ice to red and puffy acne bumps three times a day to help soothe them. Just make sure that you wrap the ice pack in a clean paper towel or washcloth before applying it to your skin. Do not leave it on for more than 20 minutes at a time and take breaks to allow your skin to return to normal temperature. Another option is to apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the red, puffy areas for three to four days. Using a clay masks may also help to reduce inflammation. Also make sure that you avoid using harsh cleansers or facial products if your acne is red and puffy.

I have had acne for two years now. I used benzoyl peroxide for a while, but my acne came back when I stopped. I am now on isoterain tablets. I also use aloe vera and tea tree oil. The difference is mild and the scars don't seem to go away. What can i use to cure my acne permanently?

If you are taking Isotretinoin, this is one of the best treatments to cure acne. Work with your dermatologist, make sure you follow your dermatologist's directions, and finish the four to six month course as prescribed. You should also avoid using scrubs or other harsh products when you take Isotretinoin. If you continue to have acne or scars after taking Isotretinoin, then your dermatologist may talk to you about trying laser or other light treatments (photodynamic therapy) to reduce the appearance of your scars. However, this is not an option until after you have been off of the Isotretinoin for at least six months. Oral contraceptives can also be a great long-term treatment for teenage girls or adult women with stubborn acne.

I used an acne cream and washed my face twice a day, but my acne didn't get better, it got worse. What do I do?

Community Answer

You may be using the wrong cream. Stay away from ones with alcohol in them. Take a warm shower, then wash your face with the warm water (as it opens up your pores), then switch the water to cold and rinse your face with the cold water (closing the pores). Then, while your face is still wet, apply moisturizer to your face, trapping all the good nutrients into your face. Make sure to talk to your dermatologist first about the moisturizer if you have sensitive skin, though.

Changing your diet to be healthier can help your acne, and so will sleeping for at least 8 hours. Make sure you change your pillow case more often as well, as you are transferring bacteria onto your face if you use a dirty pillowcase. Exercise will also help -- just make sure you take a shower afterwards.

I have sensitive skin and I really want to use a face mask. Is there a specific mask I should use to get rid of my acne?

Qushyqushy

Community Answer

A face mask may not help to reduce or rid your acne. It is more for hydration purposes. To reduce your acne, first apply a good skin care routine, from toner to moisturizer. It is important to look at acne scar serum, because serum has higher concentration than a face mask.

Tips

Do not pick at your skin. This can make acne worse and leave scars.

Go to a dermatologist if your acne doesn't go away or you can't control it. A dermatologist will help with long-term control of your acne, but they can also help with quick improvements. Options for fast results include using steroid injections into large acne bumps, lasers, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, along with typical medications. Oral antibiotics can often help improve acne breakouts quickly.

Don’t use too many products at once. It can make your skin more sensitive, and possibly make your acne worse.

Warnings

All medications carry the risk of side effects. Familiarize yourself with the side effects listed on creams and lotions and stop use if you're having a reaction.

Getting rid of acne may take longer than one week, but you can reduce the appearance of an acne breakout by cutting back on dairy and processed carbs, like white flour and sugar. Additionally, gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or acne cleanser. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, use oil-free products to avoid clogging your pores. You can also try lotions that contain green tea extract or aloe vera gel to combat breakouts. Alternatively, use products with bezoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to cure existing breakouts and prevent future ones. To learn how to use essential oils to get rid of acne, keep reading!

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Article Info

This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD. Dr. Marusinec is a Board Certified Pediatrician in Wisconsin. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995.